HELOISE Animal friends will love you for these donations
Dear Heloise: Don't throw away those old blankets, comforters and towels. Donate them to your local animal shelter or veterinarian's office. Call and ask if the place needs any of the items before dropping them off. Also, newspapers are usually always wanted for the animals' cages. Papers are changed constantly, so they actually never have enough.
Before dropping off large blankets and towels, ask if they should be cut to the sizes of the animals' cages. Don't cut the comforters -- they can be used in the outdoor runs for warmth and comfort on cool days. Your animal friends will love you for it. S.C., via e-mail
You are right! Animal shelters need so many things, and your idea of blankets, towels, etc., is wonderful. Also, if you have some time, think about volunteering your help at an animal shelter. All shelters can use extra help, so call several and see how you can volunteer. Heloise
Dear Readers: Ellen Unkefer of East Rochester sent a photo of her large, beautiful golden retriever, Snuggie, and yellow cat, Snack, cuddling together in a doghouse. Ellen says "fighting like cats and dogs" has little meaning in her family.
Send your favorite pet photo to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279.Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, and click on This Week's Pet to see this cute pair snuggling. Heloise
Dear Readers: Traveling with your pet can be fun if you're prepared ahead of time. First thing to do before heading out is to make sure that the hotels or motels where you plan on staying accept pets.
When we travel with Cabbie, our mini-schnauzer, I take her pillow, toys, food and water bowls -- things that are familiar to her. Also, it is very important that you have identification on your pet's collar. If you are traveling with a pet carrier, attach a label on it with your home address and also the destination address.
One more thing to remember is to keep your pet up to date with its shots and take the inoculation certificate along with you. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Ants would always find their way to my hummingbird feeder. I tried several different things, but nothing worked until I put petroleum jelly on the long wire hook that came with my nectar jar.
The petroleum jelly is a big no-no to the ants. Aaron Sparks, Lauderdale, Miss.
Ants can be a big problem when they get into a hummingbird feeder. Their remains might produce a type of acid that will keep hummingbirds away, so it's important to keep the ants out of the nectar. Your idea sounds like a winner. Heloise
Dear Readers: Owning pets is a responsibility. Talk to friends and relatives to see if anyone will take on the responsibility of caring for your pets if you have to be away from your home. Write their names and phone numbers on cards, and post one at home on the refrigerator. Also keep a card in your wallet just in case of an emergency. It's one less worry, knowing your pets will be taken care of. Heloise
King Features Syndicate